Thank you to all the volunteers who joined us for Rake the Town this year! The BLC Men and Confirmation Youth cleaned several yards on Saturday.

Hello Bethlehem, 

Our Semi-Annual Meeting is this Sunday, November 20th. We hope you will join us after worship in the dining room for this important meeting. You can review all relevant documents, including the Semi-Annual Meeting Agenda, 2022-23 Council, Board and Committee Goals, and the Proposed 2023 Budget, all available on our Council Documents page. A quorum of 75 is required, so we hope you will attend! 

You can make a commitment to eradicate our mortgage and support all the great things happening here using this online Commitment Form. Thanks, Bethlehem, for enabling us to imagine a future with hope!    

Connections Shelter is open for the season! Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. There will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem's November Monthly Mission is Holy Grounds. A cornerstone ministry of Centenary UMC, Holy Grounds is an important resource in the community for food security and a place where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. What a wonderful way to live out the gospel call to love our neighbors as ourselves! 

There are many ways to help: through monetary donations, items such as underwear, tents, sleeping bags, and socks, as well as volunteering your time and talent. Items for donation can be dropped off in the donation bin in the Narthex. Our monetary goal for November is $1,500. Thank you, Bethlehem community, for your kindness and generosity!

It’s lefse season! Our team of volunteers will be meeting on Friday to start rolling out your order! You can pre-order your Lefse online or by calling the office. Pre-orders are limited but don’t worry if you miss out: any extra lefse and more baked goods will be available for sale on Sunday at our…Bake Sale! That’s right, this year we are adding more freshly baked goodies and Norwegian treats, and bringing you a Bake Sale just in time for Thanksgiving! We’ll be in the narthex after worship this Sunday with goodies available for purchase on your way to the semi-annual meeting. 

BLC youth (and the adults who love them!) are invited to attend Winter Warm up this Wednesday, November 16, from 6:30-7:30pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church. The theme of the gathering is Hope in a Hopeless World, featuring Pastor Angela Denker. Cost is $10 per person. 

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022 in Grounds for Joy. Our last drive was a huge success: we exceeded our goal of donating 29 units and donated a whopping 41 units! Nice work Bethlehem! We hope for another great turnout in December and still have many time slots available. Please sign up here to donate. Thank you! 

SCAM ALERT: Please do not purchase gift cards or give money to anyone posing as one of the pastors online or via a text. This is a scam!  The pastors, staff, and no one from the church, will ever solicit money or gift cards in this way. If you ever have any questions or concerns about this, contact the church directly.

Yesterday was All Saints’ Sunday, a day to honor and remember those who have passed on before us. We especially remember the members of Bethlehem listed above

Hello Bethlehem, 

Tomorrow is election day. We want to remind and encourage our members to remember to get out and vote. Grounds for Joy is a polling location and will be occupied tomorrow. Thank you for voting! 

You can make a commitment to eradicate our mortgage and support all the great things happening here using this online Commitment Form. Thanks, Bethlehem, for enabling us to imagine a future with hope!    

Our Semi-Annual Meeting is coming up on Sunday, November 20th. We hope you will join us after worship in the dining room for this important meeting. You can review all relevant documents, including the Semi-Annual Meeting Agenda, 2022-23 Council, Board and Committee Goals, and the Proposed 2023 Budget, all available on our Council Documents page. 

BLC youth (and the adults who love them!) are invited to attend Winter Warm up next Wednesday, November 16, from 6:30-7:30pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church. The theme of the gathering is Hope in a Hopeless World, featuring Pastor Angela Denker. Cost is $10 per person. 

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022 in Grounds for Joy. Our last drive was a huge success: we exceeded our goal of donating 29 units and donated a whopping 41 units! Nice work Bethlehem! We hope for another great turnout in December and still have many time slots available. Please sign up here to donate. Thank you! 

 Come check out our Saint & Sinner Showcase in Grounds for Joy. Torchlight youth are sharing art they've created after interviewing a saint earlier this fall. After that, the rest of the congregation can find their creations in the Grounds for Joy throughout the month of November.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We have received reports of unknown persons going door to door requesting donations on behalf of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. We do not solicit donations door to door and contributions to Bethlehem should only be made via official channels, such as through our website, via check, or in the offering baskets. We ask that you use caution and when in doubt, please contact our office. Thank you. 

There is still time to preorder your lefse! Sold in packs of 3 rounds for $5, limit 2 packs per customer. Payment due at pickup. Lefse pre-orders can be picked up Friday, November 18th at noon, or Sunday, November 20th after worship. You can pre-order your Lefse online or by calling the office. Pre-orders are limited but don’t worry if you miss out: any extra lefse and more baked goods will be available for sale on Sunday at our…Bake Sale! 

That’s right, this year we are adding more freshly baked goodies and Norwegian treats, and bringing you a Bake Sale just in time for Thanksgiving! We’ll be in the narthex after worship on November 20th with goodies available for purchase on your way to the semi-annual meeting. Thank you so much for the great response to lefse making! It goes to show, our Nordic Bazaar might be retired, but the spirit is still strong! Thank you, Bethlehem! 

Connections Shelter is open for the season! Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. There will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

“Thank you to Bethlehem Lutheran Church for providing Lunch for-a-Buck at Crossroads Campus Ministry on Tuesday, November 1. Sally Burdick, Kathy Piehl, and Karen Sandersfeld served a mouth-watering lunch of chicken alfredo, garlic toast, and pumpkin bars to 36 hungry students. They also collected $29.35 in donations that will help us fund the continued purchase of the lettuce salad, beverages and table supplies for future lunches. Students really look forward to these weekly hot lunches to help them get through the day. In fact some students have shared that this is their ONLY meal of the day. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of the students and our ministry at Crossroads” -Crossroads Campus Ministry

Congratulations to our member Todd Hanselman for winning second place in the Mankato Photo Contest! His photograph, Hockey Day Minnesota on a Starry Night, will be the January calendar page in Mankato’s 2023 calendar, and it will also be on the cover of the fall/winter edition of city news! Congratulations Todd!  

Bethlehem's November Monthly Mission is Holy Grounds. A cornerstone ministry of Centenary UMC, Holy Grounds is an important resource in the community for food security and a place where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. What a wonderful way to live out the gospel call to love our neighbors as ourselves! There are many ways to help: through monetary donations, items such as underwear, tents, sleeping bags, and socks, as well as volunteering your time and talent. Our monetary goal for November is $1,500. Thank you, Bethlehem community, for your kindness and generosity! 

Happy Halloween Bethlehem! 

We had a blast at our annual Trunk or Treat event last Wednesday evening, as well as at our Halloween-Themed Youth Lock-In on Friday! Check out some of the fun pictures and great costumes. 

Thank you, Bethlehem, for an amazing commitment Sunday! For our Wednesday worshipers, we will again celebrate God's faithfulness to us as we conclude our capital campaign, and you are invited to bring your commitment card to worship on Wednesday night.  If you didn't get a chance yesterday, and can't be with us on Wednesday, you can make a commitment to eradicate our mortgage and support all the great things happening here using this online Commitment Form. Thanks, Bethlehem, for enabling us to imagine a future with hope!    

On Sunday our own Christine Schulz took some time to share her passion and expertise with the youth, with a demonstration of the organ. Christine will share her knowledge and calling again this Wednesday during NightLIGHT. 

Come check out our Saint & Sinner Showcase in Grounds for Joy. Torchlight youth are sharing art they've created after interviewing a saint earlier this fall.  Parents and NightLIGHT kids are invited to come to see them at the end of class this Wednesday. After that, the rest of the congregation can find their creations in the Grounds for Joy bookcases in time for All Saints Sunday & throughout the month of November.

Lefse is back thanks to you volunteers! We will be making lefse on Friday, November 18th at 9am in the downstairs kitchen. If you forgot to sign up, that’s okay, we may still have room for you!

Pre order your lefse today! Sold in packs of 3 rounds for $5, limit 2 packs per customer. Payment due at pickup. Lefse pre-orders can be picked up Friday, November 18th at noon, or Sunday, November 20th after worship. You can pre-order your Lefse online or by calling the office. Pre-orders are limited but don’t worry if you miss out: any extra lefse and more baked goods will be available for sale on Sunday at our…Bake Sale! 

That’s right, this year we are adding more freshly baked goodies and Norwegian treats, and bringing you a Bake Sale just in time for Thanksgiving! We’ll be in the narthex after worship on November 20th with goodies available for purchase on your way to the semi-annual meeting. 

Thank you so much for the great response to lefse making! It goes to show, our Nordic Bazaar might be retired, but the spirit is still strong! Thank you, Bethlehem! 

Connections Shelter is open for the season! Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22.

There will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the American Red Cross on Dec. 22, 2022. Our last drive was a huge success: we exceeded our goal of donating 29 units and donated a whopping 41 units! Nice work Bethlehem! We hope for another great turnout in December. 

Congratulations to our member Todd Hanselman for winning second place in the Mankato Photo Contest! His photograph, Hockey Day Minnesota on a Starry Night, will be the January calendar page in Mankato’s 2023 calendar, and it will also be on the cover of the fall/winter edition of city news! Congratulations Todd!  

Bethlehem's November Monthly Mission is Holy Grounds. A cornerstone ministry of Centenary UMC, Holy Grounds is an important resource in the community for food security and a place where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. What a wonderful way to live out the gospel call to love our neighbors as ourselves! 

There are many ways to help: through monetary donations, items such as underwear, tents, sleeping bags, and socks, as well as volunteering your time and talent. Our monetary goal for November is $1,500. Thank you, Bethlehem community, for your kindness and generosity! 

Hello Bethlehem,

Yesterday we welcomed Pastor Jacie Richmond to speak to the congregation for the first time. Check out the video of Pastor Jacie’s first talk here. Welcome Pastor Jacie! 

 Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday’s congregation-wide celebration dinner! We had a great turnout. We hope you will take a moment to view A Vision of Hope. In this video you will hear from Capital Campaign Chair, Carrol Meyers-Dobler, Information Team Chair, Bob Ihrig, and Council President, Mary Bliesmer. Learn more about the history of Bethlehem, the Capital Campaign, and why Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a Vision of Hope. View the video here!

Over the weekend Bethlehem hosted Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). We have overall 32 youth, including 5 of Bethlehem’s 9th graders.

Grab your costumes, donate some candy, and join us Wednesday, Oct. 26th from 6:45-7:45pm for a fun evening in Bethlehem’s parking lot! Our annual Halloween event has something for everyone and is open to the whole community! Trick or Treat down Trunk Alley, get your face painted, play ring toss, enjoy hot cider by the campfire, and more! Sign up here to host a trunk or donate candy! Donated candy should be dropped off in the main office by Oct. 23rd.

Bethlehem will host a Halloween-Themed Youth Lock-In for 5th-9th graders, coming up on Friday, October 28th from 7pm to midnight. There is no cost, friends are welcome! Register here by Oct. 26th. 

Lefse is back thanks to you volunteers! We will be making lefse on Friday, November 18th at 9am in the downstairs kitchen. If you forgot to sign up, that’s okay, we may still have room for you!

Pre order your lefse today! Sold in packs of 3 rounds for $5, limit 2 packs per customer. Payment due at pickup. Lefse pre-orders can be picked up Friday, November 18th at noon, or Sunday, November 20th after worship. You can pre-order your Lefse online or by calling the office. Pre-orders are limited but don’t worry if you miss out: any extra lefse and more baked goods will be available for sale on Sunday at our…Bake Sale! 

That’s right, this year we are adding more freshly baked goodies and Norwegian treats, and bringing you a Bake Sale just in time for Thanksgiving! We’ll be in the narthex after worship on November 20th with goodies available for purchase on your way to the semi-annual meeting. 

Thank you so much for the great response to lefse making! It goes to show, our Nordic Bazaar might be retired, but the spirit is still strong! Thank you, Bethlehem! 

Connections Shelter is open for the season! Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks. 

Join this Wednesday, Oct. 26th for dinner and worship. We will be serving spaghetti with meatballs, salad and garlic toast!

Note: Your Congregational Services Coordinator, Molly Nelson, will be on vacation Oct. 27-30 following her wedding on Oct. 22nd. Thank you in advance for your patience during this busy and exciting time. Special thanks to the staff, volunteers and Bethlehem members filling in during her absence! 

Bethlehem's October Monthly Mission is Echo Food Shelf. Echo has been an important part of the Mankato and surrounding communities since 1981 when a group of concerned people recognized a crisis in the community and organized the collection of food in a church basement. The need for services has increased and Echo has expanded to meet the growing needs of our community. Volunteers bring food to local families who are unable to get to the food shelf and the summer feeding program fills the meal gap with many families. Many volunteer positions are available for those interested in helping Echo with their program. We have set a monetary donation goal of $3,000. We thank Bethlehem members for their commitment to our community.

Our goal is $3,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our community. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem! 

Hello Bethlehem,

Next Sunday, Oct. 23, we will welcome Pastor Jacie Richmond as she delivers her first sermon here at Bethlehem. Later that evening, from 5-7pm, we will enjoy a congregation-wide celebration dinner at the Courtyard by Marriott. See you there! 

Check out the latest installment of our Vision of Hope series. This week we heard from Chelsey Kunkel.

Connections Shelter is open for the season, and Bethlehem is signed up for this week! We are in need of a volunteer to provide a meal next Sunday, October 23rd. We know this conflicts with our celebration dinner that evening, but arranging catering is also acceptable! Interested in making it happen? Use this link. Thank you, Bethlehem!

Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks. 

Due to MEA weekend, we will not be serving dinner this Wednesday, Oct. 19th. Join us the following Wednesday, Oct. 26th for dinner and worship. We will be serving spaghetti with meatballs, salad and garlic toast.

Grab your costumes, donate some candy, and join us Wednesday, Oct. 26th from 6:45-7:45pm for a fun evening in Bethlehem’s parking lot! Our annual Halloween event has something for everyone and is open to the whole community! Trick or Treat down Trunk Alley, get your face painted, play ring toss, enjoy hot cider by the campfire, and more! Sign up here to host a trunk or donate candy! Donated candy should be dropped off in the main office by Oct. 23rd.

Bethlehem will host a Halloween-Themed Youth Lock-In for 5th-9th graders, coming up on Friday, October 28th from 7pm to midnight. There is no cost, friends are welcome! Register here by Oct. 26th. 

Note: Your Congregational Services Coordinator, Molly Nelson, will be on vacation Oct. 27-30 following her wedding on Oct. 22nd. Thank you in advance for your patience during this busy and exciting time. Special thanks to the staff, volunteers and Bethlehem members filling in during her absence! 

Bethlehem's October Monthly Mission is Echo Food Shelf. Echo has been an important part of the Mankato and surrounding communities since 1981 when a group of concerned people recognized a crisis in the community and organized the collection of food in a church basement. The need for services has increased and Echo has expanded to meet the growing needs of our community. Volunteers bring food to local families who are unable to get to the food shelf and the summer feeding program fills the meal gap with many families. Many volunteer positions are available for those interested in helping Echo with their program. We have set a monetary donation goal of $3,000. We thank Bethlehem members for their commitment to our community.

Our goal is $3,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our community. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem! 

Blessing of the BLC confirmation students, Wednesday, Oct. 5th.

Hello Bethlehem,

Today is the RSVP deadline for our congregation-wide dinner at the Courtyard by Marriott on Sunday, October 23rd at 5pm. There is no cost to attend. RSVP using this form. The link to RSVP is also available on our homepage. We hope you can join us in celebrating all the great things God is doing at Bethlehem. 

Check out the latest installment of our Vision of Hope series. This week we heard from Charlie Leftridge. 

The Inspiration Team invites you to enter a time of prayer for our church and congregation as we move into a time of discernment. On Saturday, October 15th, Bethlehem will host a Prayer Vigil in the sanctuary from noon to 4pm. You can sign up for half hour increments online or at the Welcome Kiosk. There is no maximum number of participants and you can register as an individual, family, or group. You may come into the sanctuary or pray from home or wherever you feel most comfortable. 

Next Sunday ECHO Food Shelf will be presenting the adult forum on Sunday, October 16 in Grounds for Joy following the service. We want to encourage members to bring food and/or financial donations at this time. See you at the forum!

Following service, Bethlehem will also host a Covid Bivariant Vaccine Clinic with HyVee in the library from 10:45am to noon. If you wish to receive your booster, please bring your ID, insurance card, and vaccine card. 

Grab your costumes, donate some candy, and join us Wednesday, Oct. 26th from 6:45-7:45pm for a fun evening in Bethlehem’s parking lot! Our annual Halloween event has something for everyone and is open to the whole community! Trick or Treat down Trunk Alley, get your face painted, play ring toss, enjoy hot cider by the campfire, and more! Sign up here to host a trunk or donate candy! Donated candy should be dropped off in the main office by Oct. 23rd.

Connections Shelter is open for the season, and Bethlehem is signed up for the week of Oct. 17th! Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to Connections Shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift.  Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks. 

A huge THANK YOU to all that either walked/donated to the ALS Walk! A great turnout and even a nice weather day! The Bethlehem Gait Keepers donated $1300.00! These monies help to find a cure plus helps the individuals that need help with material items. Thank you so much!!

Our hearts are with all those affected by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Florida with near Category 5-strength winds, record rain, and catastrophic flooding. Lutheran Disaster Response works with its partners to provide immediate relief, including water, clothing, gift cards, tarps, and more. Since many hurricanes also require long-term response, Lutheran Disaster Response provides support on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management, and emotional and spiritual care. Gifts to “Hurricane Response” will be used in full to assist those affected by hurricanes. Join us in supporting the ELCA in this important work; click here to donate. 

Bethlehem's October Monthly Mission is Echo Food Shelf. Echo has been an important part of the Mankato and surrounding communities since 1981 when a group of concerned people recognized a crisis in the community and organized the collection of food in a church basement. The need for services has increased and Echo has expanded to meet the growing needs of our community. Volunteers bring food to local families who are unable to get to the food shelf and the summer feeding program fills the meal gap with many families. Many volunteer positions are available for those interested in helping Echo with their program. We have set a monetary donation goal of $3,000. We thank Bethlehem members for their commitment to our community.
Our goal is $3,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our community. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem!

Happy October Bethlehem,

You are also invited to join Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the Imagine: A Vision of Hope congregational-wide dinner event at Marriott Courtyard on Sunday, October 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. You’ll enjoy dinner, fellowship, and a short presentation on the campaign. No commitment will be requested at the event and there is no cost to attendees. Please RSVP by October 10th using this form. The link to RSVP is also available on our homepage. We hope you can join us in celebrating all the great things God is doing at Bethlehem. 

Check out the latest installment of our Vision of Hope series. This week we heard from the Renberg family. 

The Inspiration Team invites you to enter a time of prayer for our church and congregation as we move into a time of discernment. On Saturday, October 15th, Bethlehem will host a Prayer Vigil in the sanctuary from noon to 4pm. You can sign up for half hour increments online or at the Welcome Kiosk. There is no maximum number of participants and you can register as an individual, family, or group. You may come into the sanctuary or pray from home or wherever you feel most comfortable. 

Connections Shelter is open for the season, and Bethlehem is signed up for the week of Oct. 17th! Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks. 

Our hearts are with all those affected by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Florida with near Category 5-strength winds, record rain, and catastrophic flooding. Lutheran Disaster Response works with its partners to provide immediate relief, including water, clothing, gift cards, tarps, and more. Since many hurricanes also require long-term response, Lutheran Disaster Response provides support on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management, and emotional and spiritual care. Gifts to “Hurricane Response” will be used in full to assist those affected by hurricanes. Join us in supporting the ELCA in this important work; click here to donate. 

Groups are gathering once again! Bethlehem is blessed with many wonderful opportunities to connect with one another and grow our faith. Here’s a quick look at some of our groups and what they have to offer: 

• BLC Men: The mission of our BLC Men’s Group is to grow closer to God as we grow closer to one another. BLC Men’s Fall Events will include serving Lunch for a Buck at Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry on Oct. 4, Rake the Town on Nov. 12 with Bethlehem Youth, and the 3rd Annual BLC Men’s Bowling Championship on Dec. 1. 

• Book of Faith: this group meets each Wednesday morning at 10:30am in Grounds for Joy to open Scripture and join in conversation. This fall will focus on Jeremiah and Lamentations. Cost of the 8-session book is $12. There is no need to sign up in advance, but feel free to register online. 

• Life in the Spirit: this long-standing Bethlehem group meets on the second Thursday of each month to learn and develop classic Christian practices like contemplative prayer. Meetings take place at 6:30pm and there is no need to sign up in advance. 

• Meet and Eat! We’re forming a new group on a familiar idea. Three BLC couples/individuals will be matched up and set up three different get togethers over a meal, each hosted by a member of the group. Have these three “eats and meets” before Jan. 1 and we will pair you up with a new group after the holidays! Sign up here to participate. 

• Tuesday Morning Lectionary Study: Each week a group of Bethlehem members and friends gathers online at 7am to study and discuss the coming week’s preaching text. If you are interested in participating, use this Zoom link to join in.

• Women of the ELCA: The Bethlehem Women of the ELCA (BWELCA) is a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. The Circles that make up BWELCA include: 

Deborah Circle: meets 10am third Saturday of the month in Grounds for Joy

Rachel Circle: meets 9am second Tuesday in the Library

Sarah Circle: meets 9am on the fourth Wednesday of each month

Eve Circle: meets 6:30pm on the third Monday of each month

Interested in joining a musical group here at Bethlehem? Learn more about our musical opportunities on our website and contact Charlie Leftridge at cleftridge@blcmankato.org  to join us in making joyful noise! 

Bethlehem's October Monthly Mission is Echo Food Shelf. Echo has been an important part of the Mankato and surrounding communities since 1981 when a group of concerned people recognized a crisis in the community and organized the collection of food in a church basement. The need for services has increased and Echo has expanded to meet the growing needs of our community. Volunteers bring food to local families who are unable to get to the food shelf and the summer feeding program fills the meal gap with many families. Many volunteer positions are available for those interested in helping Echo with their program. We have set a monetary donation goal of $3,000. We thank Bethlehem members for their commitment to our community.

Our goal is $3,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our community. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem! 

REMINDERS: 

• Fall is in full-swing! Check out the calendar to see the latest music, worship, and event schedules. Volunteers can now reference our serving schedules online!

Hello Bethlehem,

This week we officially began our Capital Campaign! Each week, we will be hearing from a member of Bethlehem about the ways they see God working among us and what makes Bethlehem so important to them. Check out the first talk in the Vision of Hope series. This week we heard from Lori Ruthenbeck. 

You are invited to join Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the Imagine: A Vision of Hope congregational-wide dinner event at Marriott Courtyard on Sunday, October 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. You’ll enjoy dinner, fellowship, and a short presentation on the campaign. No commitment will be requested at the event and there is no cost to attendees. Please RSVP by October 1st using this form. The link to RSVP is also available on our homepage. We hope you can join us in celebrating all the great things God is doing at Bethlehem. 

This week we welcomed several new members to Bethlehem. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Isabella Thul, Carol Peterson, Sara Maslakow, Mitchell Skluzacek, Beverly Mathison, Wayne Luebbert, Ben Johnson, and Ted and Sue Glaser. Welcome new members! 

We want YOU on the Lefse crew! Rollers and flippers are needed to make lefse Friday, November 18th. No experience required: we will teach you this delicious tradition! Once we are able to secure enough volunteers, we will begin taking Lefse pre-orders. We hope you will join us in creating this yummy treat in time for Thanksgiving! Contact Ginger Erlandson by October 1st to sign up. Email rerlandson2@gmail.com or call 507-278-3007.

Connections Shelter is reopening for the season on October 3rd, and Bethlehem is signed up for the week of Oct. 17th! Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks. 

Groups are gathering once again! Bethlehem is blessed with many wonderful opportunities to connect with one another and grow our faith. Here’s a quick look at some of our groups and what they have to offer: 

• BLC Men: The mission of our BLC Men’s Group is to grow closer to God as we grow closer to one another. BLC Men’s Fall Events will include serving Lunch for a Buck at Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry on Oct. 4, Rake the Town on Nov. 12 with Bethlehem Youth, and the 3rd Annual BLC Men’s Bowling Championship on Dec. 1. 

• Book of Faith: this group meets each Wednesday morning at 10:30am in Grounds for Joy to open Scripture and join in conversation. This fall will focus on Jeremiah and Lamentations. Cost of the 8-session book is $12. There is no need to sign up in advance, but feel free to register online. 

• Life in the Spirit: this long-standing Bethlehem group meets on the second Thursday of each month to learn and develop classic Christian practices like contemplative prayer. Meetings take place at 6:30pm and there is no need to sign up in advance. 

• Meet and Eat! We’re forming a new group on a familiar idea. Three BLC couples/individuals will be matched up and set up three different get togethers over a meal, each hosted by a member of the group. Have these three “eats and meets” before Jan. 1 and we will pair you up with a new group after the holidays! Sign up here to participate. 

• Tuesday Morning Lectionary Study: Each week a group of Bethlehem members and friends gathers online at 7am to study and discuss the coming week’s preaching text. If you are interested in participating, use this Zoom link to join in.

Interested in joining a musical group here at Bethlehem? Learn more about our musical opportunities on our website and contact Charlie Leftridge at cleftridge@blcmankato.org  to join us in making joyful noise! 

Our September monthly mission is Iambi Secondary School (ISS). This boarding school has a 200 student capacity and 20 staff members. Academically, ISS has been doing very well. It is a leading school in the Mkalama district and it is among the top ten schools in the Singida region.

Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS: our past generosity has enabled the school to install electricity, allowing students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun has set. As a result, test results soared and enrollment has boomed. 

Our goal is $7,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem! 

REMINDERS: 

• Fall is in full-swing! Check out the calendar to see the latest music, worship, and event schedules. Volunteers can now reference our serving schedules online!

• Our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start on Oct. 2. Our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am. 

Hello Bethlehem,

We are delighted to share that Pastor Jacie Richmond has accepted our call to become Bethlehem’s new associate pastor. We anticipate Pastor Jacie beginning her ministry in October, and have set an installation date for December 4. Welcome, Pastor Jacie! 

Wednesday Night Suppers are back at Bethlehem. Bethlehem volunteers will greet and serve you. Connect and converse with fellow members and community residents. All are welcome! You can view the September menu on our website. This week, we’re serving chicken alfredo, salad and garlic toast!

We want YOU on the Lefse crew! Rollers and flippers are needed to make lefse Friday, November 18th. No experience required: we will teach you this delicious tradition! Once we are able to secure enough volunteers, we will begin taking Lefse pre-orders. We hope you will join us in creating this yummy treat in time for Thanksgiving! Contact Ginger Erlandson by October 1st to sign up. Email rerlandson2@gmail.com or call 507-278-3007. 

Groups are gathering once again! Bethlehem is blessed with many wonderful opportunities to connect with one another and grow our faith. Here’s a quick look at some of our groups and what they have to offer: 

• Meet and Eat! Three BLC couples/individuals will be matched up and set up three different get togethers over a meal, each hosted by a member of the group. Have these three “eats and meets” before Jan. 1 and we will pair you up with a new group after the holidays! Sign up here to participate.

• BLC Men: The mission of our BLC Men’s Group is to grow closer to God as we grow closer to one another. We will begin again on Monday, Sept. 12, with grilling and a get together at Derek Brown’s home. RSVP to pastorjay@blcmankato.org for more information, or fill out the registration form to join. Other BLC Men’s Fall Events will include serving Lunch for a Buck at Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry on Oct. 4, Rake the Town on Nov. 12 with Bethlehem Youth, and the 3rd Annual BLC Men’s Bowling Championship on Dec. 1. 

• Book of Faith: this group meets each Wednesday morning at 10:30am in Grounds for Joy to open Scripture and join in conversation. This fall will focus on Jeremiah and Lamentations. Cost of the 8-session book is $12. There is no need to sign up in advance, but feel free to register online. 

• Life in the Spirit: this long-standing Bethlehem group meets on the second Thursday of each month to learn and develop classic Christian practices like contemplative prayer. Meetings take place at 6:30pm and there is no need to sign up in advance. 

• Tuesday Morning Lectionary Study: Each week a group of Bethlehem members and friends gathers online at 7am to study and discuss the coming week’s preaching text. If you are interested in participating, use this Zoom link to join in.

Interested in joining a musical group here at Bethlehem? Learn more about our musical opportunities on our website and contact Charlie Leftridge at cleftridge@blcmankato.org  to join us in making joyful noise! 

Connections Shelter is reopening for the season on October 3rd, and Bethlehem is signed up for the week of Oct. 17th! Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks. 

The Bethlehem Gait-Keepers led the way at the 2022 ALS Walk at Spring Lake Park on Saturday. Bethlehem had a great group raising funds and bringing awareness to this important cause. Thank you!

A note from our friends at Crossroads Campus Ministry: 

“Thank you to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who prepared and served our first Lunch for-a-Buck to hungry college students on Tuesday, September 6. Jane Blaisdell, Jeri Clement and Kathryn Sargent served a delicious chicken fajita luncheon with tortillas and homemade cake to 20 students and brought in $16 in donations that will help us fund the purchase of the salads, beverages and table supplies for future lunches. Students look forward to these weekly homemade hot lunches to help them get through the day. Thank you for your generosity and continued support of our ministry at Crossroads.”

Our September monthly mission is Iambi Secondary School (ISS). This boarding school has a 200 student capacity and 20 staff members. Academically, ISS has been doing very well. It is a leading school in the Mkalama district and it is among the top ten schools in the Singida region.

Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS: our past generosity has enabled the school to install electricity, allowing students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun has set. As a result, test results soared and enrollment has boomed. 

Our goal is $7,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem! 

REMINDERS: 

• Wednesday night worship resumes this week! Check out the calendar to see the latest music, worship, and event schedules. 

• Volunteers can now reference our serving schedules online!

• Our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start on Oct. 2. Our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am. 

Photos from Pride Fest 2022 and Sunday’s God’s Work, Our Hands celebration.

Did you get some great photos this weekend? Send them to blchurch@blcmankato.org or tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

Hello Bethlehem,

It was a wonderful weekend at Bethlehem! We had a great turnout for Pride Fest 2022 on Saturday, with an enthusiastic group of marchers and a busy booth. Thank you to our Welcome and Inclusion board and everyone who showed their pride! Then on Sunday we began our God’s Work, Our Hands celebration. After a music-filled worship service we packed school kits, enjoyed games and a photo booth, hopped in the bounce house, and enjoyed a delicious outdoor meal. Special thanks to Amy Haigh and the Engles for providing a great meal, and thank you to all of the volunteers and attendees who made it a wonderful day! It is great to see so many new and familiar faces here at Bethlehem. 

God’s Work, Our Hands will continue this Wednesday, September 14th! The whole congregation is invited to join us as we reconnect with our church family and celebrate with worship, service, food, and fun! We will kick off Wednesday night programming with dinner at 5pm and worship at 6:15pm. We will have school kit assembly in Grounds for Joy from 6:45-7:45pm and outdoor beautification projects, a scavenger hunt, bounce house, mural making, and more! This is a great opportunity to learn more about our small groups, and to sign up for musical, educational, and volunteer opportunities.

Included in this year’s celebration, Hy-Vee will be offering a Flu Shot Clinic in Grounds for Joy this Wednesday from 5-7pm. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome! Hy-Vee will offer Flu Shots, Covid Boosters, and Take-Home Covid Tests. Please bring your ID, vaccine record card, and prescription insurance or Medicare card. 

Wednesday Night Suppers are back at Bethlehem. Our own Amy Haigh has assumed supper planning and coordination and JD Truffles Catering will prepare a variety of delicious weekly meals; view the September menu on our website! Bethlehem volunteers will greet and serve you. Connect and converse with fellow members and community residents. All are welcome!

The ALS WALK is happening this weekend! Please join the Bethlehem Gaitkeepers on Saturday, September 17th at Spring Lake Park Shelter #1. Check in begins at 8:30am and the walk begins at 10am. The walk is 2.5 miles and a great way to honor Pastor Don and walk in memory of Jon Nelson. Donation forms are available in the office or can be filled out at Spring Lake on the day of the walk. Don’t miss this chance to be the cheering squad and hop in that group photo! We are hoping for a great turnout for ALS. Questions? Contact Ginger Erlandson, Rerlandson2@gmail.com.

Groups are starting back up! Bethlehem is blessed with many wonderful opportunities to connect with one another and grow our faith. Here’s a quick look at some of our groups and what they have to offer: 

• ??????? Name This Group! We’re forming a new group on a familiar idea. Three BLC couples/individuals will be matched up and set up three different get togethers over a meal, each hosted by a member of the group. Have these three “eats and meets” before Jan. 1 and we will pair you up with a new group after the holidays! Sign up here to participate. The winning name will be picked by staff Sept. 14th. The winner will receive a $10 gift card to the Coffee Hag!

• BLC Men: The mission of our BLC Men’s Group is to grow closer to God as we grow closer to one another. We will begin again on Monday, Sept. 12, with grilling and a get together at Derek Brown’s home. RSVP to pastorjay@blcmankato.org for more information, or fill out the registration form to join. Other BLC Men’s Fall Events will include serving Lunch for a Buck at Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry on Oct. 4, Rake the Town on Nov. 12 with Bethlehem Youth, and the 3rd Annual BLC Men’s Bowling Championship on Dec. 1. 

• Book of Faith: this group meets each Wednesday morning at 10:30am in Grounds for Joy to open Scripture and join in conversation. This fall will focus on Jeremiah and Lamentations. Cost of the 8-session book is $12. There is no need to sign up in advance, but feel free to register online. 

• Life in the Spirit: this long-standing Bethlehem group meets on the second Thursday of each month to learn and develop classic Christian practices like contemplative prayer. Meetings take place at 6:30pm and there is no need to sign up in advance. 

• Tuesday Morning Lectionary Study: Each week a group of Bethlehem members and friends gathers online at 7am to study and discuss the coming week’s preaching text. If you are interested in participating, use this Zoom link to join in.

New members welcome! Our New Member Orientation will be held September 18th at 10:45am. Click to learn more about Becoming a Member.

Connections Shelter is reopening for the season on October 3rd, and Bethlehem is signed up for the week of Oct. 17th! Some changes this year: there will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 35 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. Bethlehem is signed up for the following weeks: Oct. 17, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Mar 20, May 22. Text Derek if you are interested in helping to coordinate Bethlehem’s weeks.

We want YOU on the Lefse crew! Rollers and flippers are needed to make lefse Friday, November 18th. No experience required: we will teach you this delicious tradition! Once we are able to secure enough volunteers, we will begin taking Lefse pre-orders. We hope you will join us in creating this yummy treat in time for Thanksgiving! Contact Ginger Erlandson by October 1st to sign up. Email rerlandson2@gmail.com or call 507-278-3007. 

Our September monthly mission is Iambi Secondary School (ISS). This boarding school has a 200 student capacity and 20 staff members. Academically, ISS has been doing very well. It is a leading school in the Mkalama district and it is among the top ten schools in the Singida region.

Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS: our past generosity has enabled the school to install electricity, allowing students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun has set. As a result, test results soared and enrollment has boomed. 

Our goal is $7,000. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online here. Thank you, Bethlehem! 

REMINDERS: 

• Wednesday night worship resumes this week! Check out the calendar to see the latest music, worship, and event schedules. 

• Volunteers can now reference our serving schedules online!

• Our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start on the following dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 2. During these dates, our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am.